WIN: Pamper pack with AXA PPP healthcare
Mimi ON Aug 21, 2012 AT 10:36 am
Ahh what we’d give to be there…
Summer holidays are well and truly here and now we have license to leave our TV screens and the compulsive viewing that was the Olympics, it’s time to relax, chill out and get some sun. For many of us that may well involve hopping on a plane and leaving the comfort of UK shores. If that’s you it’s as well to do a little forward planning, not just along the lines of which bikini or how many shoes are too many, but how to avoid and deal with any nasty little bugs and bites you may get along the way. Nothing can ruin a holiday more than developing a nasty allergic reaction or an upset stomach that has you bedroom bound.
With this in mind and to help you decide which precautions you should really be taking, AXA PPP healthcare‘s experts are on hand to offer advice on any health questions you may have regarding your holidays. Not sure about how far in advance you need to take malaria tablets? Want something for nervous flyers? Any advice on dealing with jet lag? The Health at Hand AXA PPP healthcare registered pharmacists are there to help, so join them online on Thursday 23rd August from 1-3pm and get all your queries about holiday health sorted.
The team at Health at Hand really know their stuff and are on hand 24/7 for AXA PPP heathcare members. They provide lots of indepth info and a discussion, where needed, is just a phone call away. Non-members can access them too, via these chats which are monthly or by using the Ask the Expert function on the AXA PPP healthcare site. Their aim is to answer all questions within 24 hours – not bad for a free service!
We have loads of questions we’d like to ask and if you have too, but don’t know if you’re around for the chat on 23rd (or even if you are) then please leave your questions in our comments at the bottom of the post.
Simply ask your holiday health questions in the comments below to be in with a chance to win £200 of The Sanctuary pampering goodies! How to deal with jetlag, when to take your malaria tablets… anything!
Of course you can always contact the AXA PPP healthcare experts on their Facebook page and via Twitter and they will get back to you with a response from the Health at Hand pharmacists a few days after the online clinic ends.
*The chat took place on 23rd August and if you had a question but weren’t able to take part, please visit AXA PPP healthcare where there is a transcript with answers to all those pressing questions about holiday health.
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I’ve had a verruca for 4 years now and the doctor has done everything (inc freezing) to get rid of it- to no avail. Its really deep.
Is it still infectious to others? should i wear some form of sock/shoe around the pool?
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I have heard that you should not drink tap water in certain countries, why is this? and what can be done to combat it?
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I’m concerned about eating salad and fruit abroad. Is this safe?
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I always feel nauseous and drained of energy when flying, is there anything I can do to prevent this? Is it better to have eaten something beforehand? The feeling can sometimes carry on even after landing, many thanks in advance
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I’m about to go on a three month touring holiday to the USA, New Zealand and Australia, baggage is limited what should I pack in my first aid bag I know they all speak English but not open 24hours a day for anything more than a plaster, and better to have it and not use it than the other way around.
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How do I stop sun protection creams pouring into my eyes when I get very hot mountain biking?
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why do you always seem to get a cold after flying home from holiday?
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What is the reason why we are advised not to drink the water when going abroad?
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Can I wear make up with a high spf alone, or should I wear a separate spf suncream too?
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When the weather is hot I suffer from prickly heat. Any suggestions how to deal with it?
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How can we try and prevent getting ill from eating food abroad?
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My son’s ears often pop when we fly and become very painful, is there anything, other than sucking boiled sweets that could help with this?
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Whenever I go abroad I always get cellulitis which is very painful. My legs swell up so badly that the skin is shiny & feels like it will burst & all the blood comes to the surface. Can you recommend anything to help stop this please?
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my wife gets severe reactions to mozzie bites, nothing seems to deter them, any ideas for a natural repellant that is safe to put on skin directly?
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What is the best way to deal with a fear of flying?!
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What 3 health products should I make sure I pack if I am going to Asia?
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What would be your top tips to ensure we all enjoy the sunshine (either here or abroad)?
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I’m hopefully going to volunteer in Ghana next summer. I always seem to get attacked by mosquitoes when I’m abroad and worry about malaria/diseases. In the past, I’ve used a repellent which contains a high concentration of deet, which I know isn’t good for you. Do you know of any non-chemical repellents which are as effective, or would it be safe to use a product for 6 weeks which contains deet?
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Are the portable filter jugs enough or do I need to boil water abroad?
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Is it wise to use bottled water, even when brushing your teeth if you’re going away? x
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how important is it to be innoculated
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I had my holiday injection back in 2003 when I went to south Asia. If I go again this year, will I need another injection? Or will I still be protected?
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My husband always comes out in coldsores when we are abroad in the sun, even though he uses a really high factor suncream. Could he use an acyclovir cream every day as a preventitive measure?
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Is it true that fasting prevents jetlag? I’d so, why?
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Is it safe to use the tan accelerating lotions before travelling, or is it better to tan at your natural pace?
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How can I avoid the Egyptian tummy bug?
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whats the best way to ensure condoms are safe aboad?
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It is safe to drink the water in Greece
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What would you recommend to pack in a DIY emergency medical kit travelling within Europe. Many thanks for any advice
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Someone told me not to eat eggs abroad – does this mean a cooked breakfast isn’t ok unless they’re English eggs?
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What’s the best way to stop mosquito bites itching?
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When the weather is quite warm, in the UK and abroad, i often feel really sick. Is there anything i can do to help this? It really ruins my holidays and days out and i always look like the miserable one who always wants to leave early and go back home/hotel.
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My hair always ends up like straw on holiday- very dry and tangly. What is the best thing to do/use to keep it in good condition?
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I am concerned as we are flying to the US next week and a number of my daughter’s friends have recently gone down with chicken pox. What should I take with me in case she gets chicken pox and what should I do if she gets it whilst we are there?
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if you do get food poisoning on holiday how long is it OK to go without keeping water down, when should you seek medical advice?
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What vaccinations do I need for a trip to Africa?
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What is the best way to cope with young children who have heat rash from the hot temperatures abroad?
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Is it easy to find gluten free food in Spain?
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How do you know which SPF cream to wear abroad?
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Do I really need to take Malaria tablets or are 50% DEET spray good enough to stop mosquitos biting you in the 1st plac?
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Why do some people get bit and some people dont? We was camping on the grass with loads of ants, i didnt get one single bite but my friends did.
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What type of holiday would you recommend is safe or appropriate for a ashtma sufferer?
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If a factor 30 suncream says it only needs to be applied once a day, is this true?
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I always buy cheap sunglasses, but I’ve been told that this won’t be doing my eyes any good! What should I be looking for in my next pair?
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What is the best way to cure travel sickness, particularly on coaches and long ferry crossings?
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Do you need jabs to go to america ??
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how can I get my mother to America as she finds it hard to walk in the airport
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I’ve heard lemon juice is good for your hair, to make it lighter. Would using lemon juice and swimming be a problem, especially with all the chemicals used in the pools?
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I have asthma and find the hot sticky weather a bit much when I am abroad. Is there anything I can do before I go on holiday to make life easier when Im abroad?
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I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and am on shed loads of drugs including self-injected Methotrexate and steroids. I am going on the trip of a lifetime to St. Lucia in October and have been told I can take a small sharps bin with a Dr’s letter but do you have any advice for me? I want to do everything but need to stay healthy to avoid ‘flare-up’.
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I am going to turkey next month but I have never flown before……what can I do in preparation to make my flight as comfortable as possible??
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Is there anything I can take to strengthen my stomach if I am going to places like India travelling? And anything you advise me to take while there?
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How do you handle holiday eating with small children?
Do you allow them to eat whatever they want? Do you set restrictions or limits? What’s the best way to ensure they enjoy the best of the holiday without letting them overindulge?
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should i put any daily medicines in my hand luggage or divide them up.
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Is healthcare free at the time in Europe if you have the European health insurance card or do you need to pay and claim it back?
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The minute I am on holiday I seem to catch a cold or whatever bug is going – are there any good supplements I can take in the run up to my hols to get me in the best shape to fight this?
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I always get bitten by mosquitos when on holiday in Spain. Is there any vitamins I can take which would deter being bitten – I read something about Vitamin B??
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What’s the best way to combat sea sickness?
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What is the best remedy to relieve the itch and sting from stinging nettles? My children always manage to find them and complain that the typical chemist creams do not work.
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what are the best malaria tablets which are least likely to cause illness.
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My asthma always flairs up a week after returning from a holiday. Is it true that getting the flu jab prior to departure can reduce the chances of an asthma attack/illness?
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What is sunstroke? And other than drinking water what can be done to prevent it? (I always have it every holiday!)
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What are the essential things to take in a travel first aid/medicine bag?
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I have M.E and the travelling on a plane really affects me badly fatigue wise, can you suggest anything to help this before, during or after the flight?
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I have very fair skin, so need a high SPF, but find they irritate my skin and I end up with blotchy skin – is there any brand that really does look after sensitive skin, but is also effective?
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How do I protect my skin in the sun when I am bothered with rosacea on my face. Often suncreams make my face worse.
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What is the best way to combat mozzy bites?
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My daughter developed worms the last time we went to Spain, how can I avoid this happening again?
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My daughter always suffers from a heat rash whenever we go away. Is there any way of avoiding this, or reducing the itching.
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How safe is it to swim in lakes that the travel company has said are safe for bathing? Could you still pick up infections?
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I have always believed it is safer NOT to eat salads when abroad. However, some of them look really gorgeous. Is there any way I can be sure of not getting an upset tum if I enjoy some of these fresh salads?
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Im off to egypt and people are frightening me with stories of bad stomach upsets. What can i do to help prevent this please x
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Should I have ice in my drinks when Im abroad?
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Is it safe to sunbathe whilst pregnant?
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which foods are good for giving you energy?
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is it ok to eat melon and other fruit people sell on the beaches
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What’s the best type of suncream to use so that I don’t have a spot breakout?
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i’ve been told that drinking alcohol during your flight is not a good ideal-should i refrain from it?
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I seem to get awful headaches when I have been in hot weather, even for a short time. I wear a sunhat and keep hydrated but what REALLY works to prevent the headaches? Thanks in advance.
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What are the most needed health supplies when travelling with children to foreign places?
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What are the best things to pack in an emergency first aid kit?
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I always seem to catch a cold on the way home from holidays abroad. Is there a reason for this, or am I just unlucky? Can anything be done to combat it?
Thanks.
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any bugs in nice
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Is it enough to take an EHIC card to Europe or is travel insurance still necessary?
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What’s the best way to ward off mosquitos at night?
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We haven’t flown for 5 years now as the last time we flew, we were not allowed to take our son’s epi-pen on board. He has serious multiple allergies and must have access to his pen, any ideas or advice on how we can do this? Thanks
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I’ve had several ear infections whilst on holiday abroad. I’ve read somewhere that ear infections are the most common claim, on holiday health insurance. Is this true and what can I do to prevent future infections.
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I suffered a DVT a couple o years ago during my pregnancy – what I can I do to prevent another one i I’m flying long haul?
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Why do I get prickly heat on holiday only? how to prevent it?
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What’s your advice for taking contraceptive pill when in different timezone?
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I always get earaches on plane journeys, particularly long ones. Why is this and how can I prevent it?
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What’s the best way to stop myself and my daughter being bitten by mosquitoes abroad? She’s only 3 and too young to wear strong repellents, we got over 50 bites each last time we went away!
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I’m taking a very long flight and I always suffer from painful, blocked ears which I need to pop. I have tried yawning/chewing etc but I am looking for something a bit stronger? It affects one ear worse than the other!
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Why do you always feel so tired when on holiday, not just totally relaxed but tires?
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I am a healthy bmi but find my ankles swollen for days after flying. Is there anything I can do about this?
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Is it true that Grapefruit Seed Oil can help prevent a dodgy tummy when abroad?
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What is the best way to prevent and treat prickly heat ? Thank you.
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My nails are sufferring with Psoriasis and my dr’s baffled as to what to do? is there any help out there?
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What is the best way to prevent prickly heat, apart from staying out of the sun? Or is there a way to speed up the time it takes to go?
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Why do I always get ill on holiday? I always seem to catch some kind of cold, cough, or sore throat in the first few days.
Thanks
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Are type 1 diabetics more likely to get insect bites
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Am I allowed on holiday if I’m on a hospital waiting list?
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How often should we reapply sun cream?
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How can I ease my hangover?
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What is the best way of preventing/treating prickly heat rash?
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Is there anyway to prevent prickily heat whilst in the sun?
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I always attract mosquitos and get bitten every time I go away – even using repellant…any ideas how to avoid them…apart from only holidaying in the cold!
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I get really bad prickly heat on holiday, i’m going to turkey in 3 weeks. What can I use other than piriton to combat this, as it affects me on the first day.
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How much suncream should you put on children? Does it really stay on in the water?
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my husband wants to go on a cruise holiday but I suffer from vertigo, is there any medication I can take to prevent it taking a hold as I fear the motion of a boat will trigger an episode.
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When weve been to LA even with the Kids to avoid Jet Lag just get on with the day as you arrive not your Body Clock, the Kids get excited by disneyland and forget about sleepp the first night go to bed nice 8 hours sleep and then the next day no sign of jet lag at all
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Do Citronella bands really work to avoid getting bitten by Mosquittos? I am constantly being eaten alive at the moment with the warm wet weather as both I and my neighbour have ponds … my daughter is off to Antigua shortly and I hear they are really bad out there so am looking for something for both of us
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My funny wee blue card… EC11 or something. What exactly does that entitle me to when I am abroad and hurt?
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Avon dry oil spray to avoid bits and to avoid catching bugs I firstly blitz my room with anti-bac wipes including door handles, taps toilet flush and paper holder, phone handle ect, everywhere thats the cleaner would not clean but guests before you have touched. After using public toilets wash your hands but when you come out of them use anti-bac hand gel. To date, non of me and mine have caught nasty bugs that go around while on holiday
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How many times a day should I be reapplying my sun cream and how long after I put it on am I safe to got outside
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What is a natural way to keep the mosquitos at bay? I don’t like the idea of smothering myself in chemicals.
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I’ve been lucky enough to travel abroad alot growing up but lately i’m getting more and more nervous of flying. On top of this the last time i was in an airport i started having dizzy spells. Do you think this is just anxiety? What could i take to help it? thanks
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If I holiday in the Middle East, where is it safe to go topless?
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I often suffer from bad earache when descending on a flight, is there anything I can do to help this?
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Going to las vegas in september, and want to make the most of every minute. What is the best way to avoid/ deal with jet lag. The only thing i know is to try and stay up as late as possible and try to go to bed at your normal time . thanks in advance for your advice
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I have skin discolouration on my forehead from the sun. Its not immediately noticeable but I do notice it myself. Part of my forehead does not tan the same as the rest. Please can you advise if there is any treatment to sort this. It means I do not enjoy the sun the same when im away.
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what’s the most cooling colour to wear in the heat – black or white?
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what should i carry if i always get bit by mosquitioes?
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wat can i do to detert mosquitoes from biting me
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Is it true that eating Marmite repels Gnats and Mosquitos? I get covered in bites and haven’t found a repellent that works! Is there anything available that really works?
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what is the best kind of suncream/protection to use on a 4 year old with ecezma?what ingredients should i avoid??
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What should I take as an emergency first aid kit?
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I have a nearly 2 year old daughter, does anyone know when would be a good time to take her on a plane, at the moment I don’t think she’d sit still for very long!!!
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I often feel bloated during a long flight. Any tips for relieving this?
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I have a small varicose vein that throbbed on a small haul flight last year, I’m off to Italy soon would you advise wearing flight socks even though its not that long flight
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How long can the kids play in the water, when it’s sunny?
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My 9 yr old daughter is very nervous about flying for the first time, is there anything we can give her to calm her down?
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How can I avoid tummy bugs and diarrhea, particularly in tropical areas?
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what is the minimum SPF sun cream you should buy?
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I always seem to get an ear infection when I go abroad , what should I do to prevent this?
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Have spent many years holidaying abroad in the sun. When I was young , skin cancer awareness was very low and suncreams not as good as they are now. What indications should I be looking out for as regards possible skin cancer and what are the impications of a lifetime of fortnight holidays in the sun re. skin problems.
I am now very careful to apply suncream, but has the damage already been done? Thanks
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When I was young I was stung by a Weaver fish at Woolacombe, North Devon. It was really painful and I was saved by a spray the lifeguards had in their van. Do Weaver Fish also inhabit the North Norfolk Coast, specifically the sands of Hunstanton beach? If I had no spray what would be my actions, as the pain really builds up minute by minute.
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What items should I include in a first aid kit in my luggage when going on holiday abroad?
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What is the best way to avoid prickly heat, and once you have it what is the best way to treat/ease it
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I always get very oily skin in the heat and sun. How can I prevent this and stop getting so spotty!
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Can you wear suncream and mosquito/insect repellent together or do they counteract each other?
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I have had 2 European holidays recently, both in a very hot climate. I have taken plenty of fluids (at least 10 glasses per day) and enjoyed a good healthy diet, despite this my feet and fingers swell awfully and become achy. I was checked by a Greek GP who said my blood pressure was fine and as I am not overweight he didn’t know what the problem was. I took herbal anti water retention tablets which helped a little but I am dreading next holiday, please help !!
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I’ve recently spent two weeks in Las Vegas where with the heat and dry air my eyes became very irritated. Any drops that I tried (From the local doctors abroad) unfortunately didn’t work and as the holiday went on my sight began to blur and got worse. Is there anything you can recommend to help me the next time I go away?
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Is it safe to put ice into your drink in European countries?
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is it true that if you take the medication warfarin you wont be bitten by mosquitos?
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Is there a good natural insect repellant that I can use whilst I’m abroad?
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Why do I get more (permanent) freckles in the sun, even though I wear high protection sun cream?
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I always get terrible earachle after flying. What causes this and what can I do to stop it?
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I am planning a round-the-world trip to include Asia and South America. What vaccinations do I need?
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No matter what I do, I always get bitten by Mosquitos. What is the best way to relieve the itch and to stop the bites from scarring?
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Is there a natural products one can use to prevent insects bites in Topical countries. I am highly allergic, sensitive and prone to even heat rash..
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My eyes get very watery in the heat, how can I prevent this and why does it happen?
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